Bride Behind The Mask (Frederick and Marguerite)

Chapter 870

Manley couldn't help but be intrigued by the mysterious tone in Hayes's voice.

"So, what are you thinking? How do you plan to prove it?"

Hayes gave Manley a measured look. "You don't need to know all the details right now. When I figure out the solution to the wafer technology, I'll tell you."

Manley was completely lost.

Hayes always spoke in such cryptic riddles that Manley felt hopelessly clueless.

He had spent all this time helping Hayes track down that mysterious user online, and now that they'd finally uncovered the real identity, he figured their mission was finished.

Who could have guessed that after all that, they'd ended up right back at the wafer technology again?

As the two kids continued their discussion, Jocelyn came in, balancing takeout containers in her arms. The midday sun had left a sheen of sweat across her forehead, making her look both tired and determined.

"What are you two doing out here? Why aren't you upstairs yet?"

The boys exchanged glances, wide-eyed and silent, then turned to Jocelyn and chorused in perfect sync, "We were waiting for you!"

Jocelyn's stern expression softened into a gentle smile, her brows relaxing. "Well, let's go up together, then."

"Okay!" they replied, again in unison, hurrying to take the food from her hands and skipping ahead, their spirits lifted.

Manley, however, lagged behind with an ice cream cone he'd somehow scored, pausing every few steps to take a lick. He might not have been the brightest, but he was undeniably endearing.

The three of them soon made it back to the hospital room. Marguerite sat up in bed, looking pale and listless. She glanced over the takeout and turned to Maurice for his preference.

"There's soup, some rice bowls, and a light broth. What would you like?"

of warmth. "I can only manage

took out the container, dragged a chair closer,

with such gentle surprise, as though he'd never expected to find himself in a

you don't want to feed me, just pull the tray over. I can eat

was being contrary. She lowered her eyes but didn't move the

badly injured. You shouldn't

but for Marguerite, that was as close to tenderness as

grateful he'd taken that bullet for her otherwise, he'd never

to his lips, Hayes hurried over. "Mom, you eat.

sure?

puffed out his cheeks. "I

with a fond smile. "Hayes is growing up. He wants

encouragement, Marguerite handed the bowl to

offered a spoonful to Maurice. "Here,

fell for a

but he still

SWhile for

a sip. "Thank

glared at him, unconvinced by Maurice's polite

you get close to

closer to Maurice, maybe he could finally get

that wafer technology.

the

written

as day on

given

belos. The technology clearly

Maurice-maybe it was hidden in